Rare receipt shows cost of a night out 250 years ago

Matt Eley is an Inapub contributor. Follow him on Twitter @mattheweley

30th June 2017

A 250-year-old receipt for an overnight stay at a pub is to going under the hammer tomorrow.

The receipt was found by Hanson's Auctioneers of Derby in the drawer of an old chest that was being prepared for sale.

The receipt is dated January 23, 1767 and details an overnight stay at the Marston's Vine Hotel in Salter Street, Stafford – the oldest pub in the town.

The ink is still clear enough to see that two suppers were enjoyed for one shilling, along with two breakfasts for eight old pence, servants were charged at one shilling and the pints of ale consumed were four shillings.

Vine Hotel manager, Clare Evans, said: "I know the pub has a colourful history but to see something physical from this time is just amazing.

"I have arranged a phone bid for Saturday for the receipt and I just hope that we can bring it back home."

Charles Hanson of the auctioneers said: "To find an original receipt for a stay in an inn from 1767 is very unusual. It takes us back to the great coaching inn days of mid-18th Century England. The receipt has certainly witnessed some events from history and, thankfully, it has avoided being blown away or thrown away."

The receipt was written seven years into the reign of King George III, 22 years before the French Revolution and a full 60 years before Queen Victoria came to the throne.

Matt Eley is an Inapub contributor. Follow him on Twitter @mattheweley